The long-pending demand for establishing a Mega Dairy in the Kittur Karnataka region has moved a step closer to reality, with the Belagavi District Milk Union (BEMUL) deciding to set up the project on its own land.
BEMUL Chairman Balachandra Jarkiholi announced that, instead of taking 25 acres of land belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department on lease, the union has submitted a proposal to the state government to purchase 19 acres of land in Belagavi for the ambitious project. He said the decision to acquire its own property would provide greater flexibility for the development and expansion of the Mega Dairy.
The announcement was made during BEMUL’s general body meeting held in Belagavi, where several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the dairy sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods were unveiled.
Biogas Pilot Project Across 150 Societies
BEMUL will also launch a pilot project to generate biogas using cow dung and agricultural waste. Under the initiative, 150 out of the union’s 669 milk producers’ cooperative societies will be selected initially, with farmers encouraged to establish biogas units. Following successful implementation, the project is expected to be expanded to all member societies.
Multi-Crore Development Package
The union announced a series of welfare and infrastructure projects for 2026-27 and 2027-28, including:
- Distribution of 30,000 rubber mats to dairy farmers.
- Supply of 400 fodder cutting machines.
- Distribution of 100 milking machines.
- Installation of 15 new bulk milk coolers.
- Construction of 150 biogas units.
- Distribution of DCS equipment to 100 newly formed milk producers’ cooperative societies.
- A ₹5 lakh grant each to 40 milk producers’ associations that have constructed new buildings.
In addition, BEMUL has approved ₹13 crore for providing various facilities to milk producers and cooperative societies, ₹2.50 crore for marketing development, and ₹4.50 crore for infrastructure development.
Strong Financial Performance
BEMUL also reported a strong financial performance during 2025-26, recording a business turnover of ₹515.15 crore and a net profit of ₹2.64 crore.
Chairman Balachandra Jarkiholi stressed that dairy farming should become a major source of income for farmers alongside sugarcane cultivation, adding that continued support from milk producers would be crucial for BEMUL’s future growth.
Managing Director Srikanth V.N. informed members that the ₹5 per litre milk production incentive had been disbursed to farmers up to March, while the release of the next installment from the state government is still awaited.
Jarkiholi also alleged that certain vested interests in the Bengaluru Milk Union were attempting to hinder BEMUL’s efforts to expand the marketing of its milk and dairy products into the Andhra Pradesh market. He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to exploring new markets while simultaneously investing in infrastructure and farmer welfare.
